FAKE FRIENDS

Not every person who shows up in your life is meant to stay in your inner circle. This week in It’s Complicated, we talked about fake friends—how to recognize unhealthy patterns, respond with wisdom, and understand who should have access to the closest parts of our lives.

Jesus loved everyone, but He didn’t entrust Himself to everyone. He understood something we often struggle to accept: loving someone does not mean giving them unlimited access to you.

Fake friendship can look like affection that is transactional, guilt used to control you, competition where there should be celebration, vulnerability that isn’t protected, and repeated patterns without responsibility.

But biblical boundaries aren’t about becoming bitter, cold, or unforgiving. They’re about clarity. Jesus gives us a model for putting people in the right place—the boundary of protection, circle of ministry, circle of influence, and circle of intimacy. Not everyone belongs in the same circle.

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” — Romans 12:18 If you’ve ever struggled with knowing when to stay close, when to create distance, or how to set boundaries without becoming bitter, this message is for you.

If you weren't there or want to revisit it, you won't want to miss this one.